Governor Markell signs bill to improve teacher preparation

Governor Jack Markell signed legislation June 12 that raises the bar for entering the teaching profession.

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By Staff Reports

Dover Post

By Staff Reports

Posted Jun. 12, 2013 at 3:32 PM
Updated Jun 12, 2013 at 3:53 PM

By Staff Reports

Posted Jun. 12, 2013 at 3:32 PM
Updated Jun 12, 2013 at 3:53 PM

Dover, Del.

Governor Jack Markell signed legislation June 12 that raises the bar for entering the teaching profession.

Markell outlined efforts in Senate Bill 51 to improve teacher training, require that prospective teachers complete a rigorous assessment, and track performance of all preparation programs in the state.

Research shows that new teacher turnover is significant, and state efforts to improve educator preparation lag the nation; two in five new teachers leave teaching in Delaware within four years. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) has consistently given Delaware a "D-" for "improving teacher preparation," placing Delaware in the bottom eight states nationwide for addressing this issue.

"Growing Delaware in this fast-moving economy depends on having an education system that prepares our students to out-compete and out-innovate their peers around the world," Markell said. "The research on how we tap into the talents of Delaware's future workforce is clear – teacher quality is the single most important school factor in a student's academic success. The law being signed today represents a vital step in elevating the teaching profession by ensuring our educators have the skills they need to excel in their essential mission."